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How to sync SN commentary with TVMoschino upsets at Ellerslie
Kevin Robertson, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • October 24th, 2026 6:27 pm
Michael McNab collects his 1000th New Zealand career victory aboard Top Shelf at Ellerslie | Photo: Race Images / Kenton Wright
Talented mare Moschino upset the applecart when she came from last on the home bend to take out the feature sprint at Ellerslie on Saturday, the Shaw’s 1200 (1200m)
The Margaret Falconer-prepared daughter of Ten Sovereigns rounded off her last campaign with a strong runner-up finish behind Vegas Queen at Te Rapa before heading to the spelling paddock.
Fitted for her resumption with a second to Nigella Lane in a 1000m trial at Matamata earlier in the month, the five-year-old looked a picture before the race although punters tended to disregard most runners in the race as exciting galloper Drops Of God was sent out a prohibitive $1.40 Fixed Odds favourite as she made her raceday return to the track as well.
Drops Of God was sent straight to the front by rider Craig Grylls and set her own terms whereas Moschino settled last in the eight-horse field and lobbed along under her own steam before getting serious nearing the home bend for rider Michael McNab.
Drops Of God was still in front at the 250m, however it soon became evident she was starting to run on empty as December began to level up on her outer, whilst Moschino found clear air and swamped them both in the final 50m to win by a clear half-length margin.
Falconer admitted she was a little surprised by the result although she knew her charge was in good condition entering the race.
“She looks awesome this season as a five-year-old as she has really strengthened up,” Falconer said.
“We didn’t know how forward she was, but we knew she was going well.
“She had a good spell and we waited to bring her back as we wanted her coming up for Christmas racing. She likes the firmer tracks and she did really well today.
“I said to Michael we wanted to ride her back and if she got beaten at least, she would be running on and she would have had a good run along.
“I didn’t expect her to get home that well though.”
Falconer advised she has some black type targets ahead for the mare.
“We will have a look around and we will target some black print for her, and I think she is in for a good season,” she said.
Falconer races Moschino under her Ellesmere Thoroughbreds banner, having purchased the filly for $2,700 through gavelhouse.com in March of 2023. Bred by Cambridge Stud, Moschino’s grand-dam is Salsa, who placed in the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and was a stakes winner in Australia for the stable.
She has now won five of her 22 starts and over $240,000 in prizemoney.
McNab brought up a career milestone one race later when he posted win number 1000 in New Zealand when guiding Top Shelf to victory in the Elsdon Park 1600 (1600m).
“It is something I have been looking forward to doing,” McNab said.
“There were parts when I didn’t think I would be able to do so I’m proud of it.
“It is pretty special and I have wanted to do it for a while. Everyone at home will be very proud and I must thank Vicki who works on my body and leg as I wouldn’t be riding without her.”
McNab, who was crowned champion jockey in 2022 and again a year later, currently leads the 2026/27 Premiership ladder by 16 wins (39 total) from Craig Grylls (23) early in the season.
